A well known Massey dairy farmer has lost an online international competition by less than 20 votes. The contest centred on providing advice on robotic milking systems to cows that have just given birth. John Mooney of Jonella Farms suggested putting the cows on the robot three weeks before they give birth. Mooney says this gets rid of nervous they may have with the device and makes post-birth visits to the robot much easier. Respondents liked his suggestion but Mooney lost out to A Russian farmer by only 17 votes. Jonella Farms is one of the largest suppliers of milk to Farquhar’s Dairy in the region.